Posterior sagittal anorecto-urethro-vagino-plasty in the late period was associated with the long-term bowel function in patients with persistent cloaca: results of a nationwide survey in Japan

Purpose After conducting a nationwide survey of persistent cloaca (PC), we assessed whether or not the timing of definitive anorectoplasty affects the long-term bowel function of patients with PC. Methods Patient information was obtained via questionnaire, and a total of 169 PC patients who underwent posterior sagittal anorectourethrovaginoplasty (PSARUVP) were enrolled in this study. Patients were classified into 2 groups based on their operative period, which was analyzed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve: the early group (EG) underwent anorectoplasty at ≤ 18 months old ( n = 106), and the late group (LG) underwent anorectoplasty at > 18 months old ( n = 63). The bowel function was evaluated using the evacuation score of the Japan Society of Anorectal Malformation Study Group. We also examined the postoperative results of vaginoplasty. Results The total evacuation score was significantly higher in the EG than in the LG (5.2 ± 1.7 vs. 4.2 ± 1.8, p = 0.003). The frequency of bowel movement and the constipation scores were significantly higher in the EG than in the LG (1.4 ± 0.6 vs. 1.2 ± 0.7, p < 0.05, 2.4 ± 1.0 vs. 2.1 ± 1.0, p < 0.05, respectively). Postoperative vaginal stenosis was observed in 18 cases (10.7%), of which 16 could be reconstructed transperineally. Conclusion PSARUVP should be performed in early infancy and facilitate vaginal reconstruction.